Arch Linux

nilesh

Member

From: Pune, Maharashtra, India

Registered: 2009-10-07

Posts: 36

Website

Wireless Networking

Hi, I have this network setup now -

A Network Switch to which 2 computers (1st one is DHCP, TFTP server) and another client is connected.

A DSL router is also connected to the switch.

I want to convert this to wireless without changing my DSL router.

I will be buying a thin client which doesn't support wireless networking.

How to convert this to Wireless so that the thin client is able to boot via LAN (BOOTP) ?

Like connecting something to the switch which will be emitting wireless signals and again a wireless-LAN converter.

I don't know what these devices are called. Pl. give with good explanation.

Last edited by nilesh (2009-12-29 08:53:01)

nilesh

Member

From: Pune, Maharashtra, India

Registered: 2009-10-07

Posts: 36

Website

Re: Wireless Networking

Okay after some researching, I got to know that there are some devices available called RJ45-Wireless and vice-versa converters. Is that what I need to communicate over a range of about 50 metres ?

tomk

Forum Fellow

From: Ireland

Registered: 2004-07-21

Posts: 9,839

Re: Wireless Networking

You need a wireless AP (access point) to plug into the switch, and a wireless network adapter for the thin client.

I've never heard of a "RJ45-Wireless converter".

I will be buying a thin client which doesn't support wireless networking.

If you haven't bought it yet, try to find one that does support wireless.

nilesh

Member

From: Pune, Maharashtra, India

Registered: 2009-10-07

Posts: 36

Website

Re: Wireless Networking

Since I want to netboot the client, I cannot use USB Wireless adapter. Is some Wireless-Ethernet adapter available ?

Also what about security ? Is it possible to set security options for the access point ?

And about range ? I should get good bandwidth at 50 meters

tomk

Forum Fellow

From: Ireland

Registered: 2004-07-21

Posts: 9,839

Re: Wireless Networking

OK, so you need a PCI wireless adapter.

Yes, you can configure security on the AP - get one that supports WPA, WEP is useless.

AFAIK 50m is pushing the limit for indoor 802.11b/g operation, but you may get away with it. Google for ways to optimise your wifi range.

nilesh

Member

From: Pune, Maharashtra, India

Registered: 2009-10-07

Posts: 36

Website

Re: Wireless Networking

No, not PCI. I told you I want to boot over network which is possible only through Ethernet. So is some Wireless-Ethernet bridge / converter available ?

tomk

Forum Fellow

From: Ireland

Registered: 2004-07-21

Posts: 9,839

Re: Wireless Networking

I'm happy to admit I know nothing about network booting, so I'll leave you alone. From my uninformed perspective, I don't see why your client is able to use a wired ethernet card, but not a wireless one, but no doubt you know what you're talking about.

Good luck with it.

nilesh

Member

From: Pune, Maharashtra, India

Registered: 2009-10-07

Posts: 36

Website

Re: Wireless Networking

The client is a P3 available extremely cheap and my perspective is to run Arch on it via netboot.
Since the distance is a bit long, wireless will be a good solution. And it being a P3, can boot directly only through its inbuilt onboard LAN card. I was told by an h/w engineer that any PCI additions don't work for network booting but never tried it.